MBA+ MA in International Relations

Offered as a joint degree by Questrom and BU’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, the MBA+ Master of Arts in International Relations (MBA+ MA in IR) is designed for students who want to gain the practical know-how of management combined with an in-depth understanding of the geo-political environment.

The MBA+ MA in International Relations joint degree program is perfect for students seeking careers in administrative management (corporate or nonprofit), consulting, or international banking.

Program Details

Globalization isn’t limited to business—it’s working its way into everything: politics, banking, security, health care. To truly understand the world and make a lasting impact on it, you’ll need to understand its broad range of issues. The MBA+ MA in IR equips you with the skills and competencies you need to compete in a rapidly evolving international marketplace.

In just two and a half years, you’ll learn the essential skills of management through study at Questrom coupled with an understanding of international politics, economics, and security issues learned through coursework in the Pardee School. You’ll also have access to vibrant centers for study and research, such as the Global Economic Governance Initiative and various interdisciplinary regional studies centers and institutes.

You must successfully complete 80 full-time credits (or 72 part-time) to earn the MBA+ MA in IR, including 32 credits toward the MA in IR and 40 credits toward the MBA. The remaining 8 full-time credits required for the degree are free electives and can be chosen from the graduate-level course offerings of either Questrom or the Pardee School.

Students spend their first semester and most or all of their second semester taking management courses at Questrom. Our Graduate Academic and Career Development Center is here to help you understand which courses should be taken during those two semesters.

The 32 master’s credits include a core of three courses, five IR electives, a language requirement, and a research or policy paper and oral defense thereof. Full details on the IR portion of the program can be found here.

Fast Facts

Number of credits: 80 full-time, 72 part-time

Program length: 5 semesters, if pursued full time

Track: Full-time or part-time

Please note, if you would like to complete the program on a part-time basis, many Pardee School classes are only available during the day.